Precedex Dosage
Generic name: dexmedetomidine hydrochloride
Dosage form: injection, solution
This dosage information does not include all the information needed to use Precedex safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for Precedex.
The information at Drugs.com is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Dosing Guidelines
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Precedex dosing should be individualized and titrated to desired clinical response.
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Precedex is not indicated for infusions lasting longer than 24 hours.
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Precedex should be administered using a controlled infusion device.
Dosage Information
| ​INDICATION | ​DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION |
|---|---|
| ​Initiation of Intensive Care Unit Sedation |
​For adult patients: a loading infusion of one mcg/kg over 10 minutes. ​For patients being converted from alternate sedative therapy: a loading dose may not be required [see Dosage and Administration: Maintenance of Intensive Care Unit Sedation (2.2)]. ​For patients over 65 years of age: a dose reduction should be considered [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)]. ​For patients with impaired hepatic-function: a dose reduction should be considered [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. |
| ​Maintenance of Intensive Care Unit Sedation | ​For adult patients: a maintenance infusion of 0.2 to 0.7 mcg/kg/hr. The rate of the maintenance infusion should be adjusted to achieve the desired level of sedation.
​For patients over 65 years of age: a dose reduction should be considered [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)]. ​For patients with impaired hepatic function: a dose reduction should be considered [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. |
| ​Initiation of Procedural Sedation | ​For adult patients: a loading infusion of one mcg/kg over 10 minutes. For less invasive procedures such as ophthalmic surgery, a loading infusion of 0.5 mcg/kg given over 10 minutes may be suitable.
​For awake fiberoptic intubation patients: a loading infusion of one mcg/kg over 10 minutes. ​For patients over 65 years of age: a loading infusion of 0.5 mcg/kg over 10 minutes [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)]. ​For patients with impaired hepatic function: a dose reduction should be considered [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. |
| ​Maintenance of Procedural Sedation | ​For adult patients: the maintenance infusion is generally initiated at 0.6 mcg/kg/hr and titrated to achieve desired clinical effect with doses ranging from 0.2 to 1 mcg/kg/hr. The rate of the maintenance infusion should be adjusted to achieve the targeted level of sedation.
​For awake fiberoptic intubation patients: a maintenance infusion of 0.7 mcg/kg/hr is recommended until the endotracheal tube is secured. ​For patients over 65 years of age: a dose reduction should be considered [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)]. ​For patients with impaired hepatic function: a dose reduction should be considered [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. |
Dosage Adjustment
Due to possible pharmacodynamic interactions, a reduction in dosage of Precedex or other concomitant anesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics or opioids may be required when co-administered [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Dosage reductions may need to be considered for patients with hepatic impairment, and geriatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7), Use in Specific Populations (8.6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Preparation of Solution
Precedex must be diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride solution to achieve required concentration (4 mcg/mL) prior to administration. Preparation of solutions is the same, whether for the loading dose or maintenance infusion.
Strict aseptic technique must always be maintained during handling of Precedex.
To prepare the infusion, withdraw 2 mL of Precedex and add to 48 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection to a total of 50 mL. Shake gently to mix well.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Administration with Other Fluids
​Precedex infusion should not be co-administered through the same intravenous catheter with blood or plasma because physical compatibility has not been established.
​Precedex has been shown to be incompatible when administered with the following drugs: amphotericin B, diazepam.
​Precedex has been shown to be compatible when administered with the following intravenous fluids:
- ​0.9% sodium chloride in water
- ​5% dextrose in water
- ​20% mannitol
- ​Lactated Ringer's solution
- ​100 mg/mL magnesium sulfate solution
- ​0.3% potassium chloride solution
